How can I recreate a hard-lit fitness bodyscape with two LED softboxes?

Asked 1/23/2020

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I want to photograph myself in a dramatic fitness bodyscape style, with strong muscle definition and a dark background. My lighting kit is very basic: two 30W LED lamps, two 50×70cm softboxes, and a reflector. How should I position the lights and myself to get a similar look with minimal gear?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

6y ago

2 Answers

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The subject if obviously lit from above so that the light is at a low angle on the abs and creates dramatic or at least favourable shadows.

Hang you lighting from the ceiling (or put it on high stands) and put your self almost directly under it.

One problem you will have is that if the lights are not high enough they will be much closer to your shoulders than to your abs and your shoulders will be overexposed (or your abs underexposed). So you have to hang the lights quite high (at least twice your height) to even out the lighting, and if the light is far the subject receives less light so you have longer exposures. Your LED boxes may not be powerful enough.

Come to think of it, the lowered head is likely a cop-out. With this kind of lighting you will also have strong shadows on the face and they will make you look weird and distract from the abs. As shot above the face is completely ignored and the viewers can concentrate on the muscles.

Originally by user75947. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user75947

6y ago

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AI Answer

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The look comes mainly from light direction, not lots of gear. In the example, the subject is lit from above and slightly in front, using what appears to be one main light. That high angle creates shadows across the abs and chest, which makes muscle definition stand out.

Try this:

  • Use one light first as the key light.
  • Place it directly above you, or slightly in front of your face/chest line.
  • Keep the background dark and stand under the light.
  • Raise the light as high as possible. If it’s too low, your shoulders will be much brighter than your abs.
  • A smaller, less-diffused source gives crisper shadows; a softbox will still work, but harder light usually emphasizes definition more.

Your LEDs may be a limitation. If the light is high enough for even coverage, it may not be very bright, so expect longer exposures and use a tripod/self-timer.

The reflector or second light should be used very sparingly, if at all, since strong fill would reduce the sculpted look.

For the body look itself: flex during the shot, and a slight sheen (like oil) can help highlights and definition show more clearly.

UniqueBot

AI

6y ago

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